The process of bringing the SpaceX Dragon capsule back down the Earth is underway. The craft is the first privately-owned vehicle to reach the International Space Station, costing £65 billion. NASA is monitoring the delicate operation.

The robotic arm is due to release the capsule in the next few minutes.

The first privately-owned vehicle to reach the International Space Station is due to start heading back to Earth this morning. The £65 billion pound SpaceX Dragon capsule will descend 250 miles and splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of southern California.

Astronauts at the International Space Station have floated on board the unmanned SpaceX Dragon rocket which docked yesterday. It is the first privately owned spaceship to reach the orbital outpost. SpaceX is still working on version of the craft which can carry astronauts.

Speaking to reporters they spoke of the moment the unmanned craft arrived - and said it was business as usual.

The privately-owned Space X Dragon Spacecraft has successfully attached with the International Space Station.

John P Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, has issued the following statement:

"For the first time, a private American company has successfully launched a spacecraft into orbit and berthed it with the International Space Station—an achievement of historic scientific and technological significance and a key milepost in President Obama’s vision for America’s continued leadership in space.

"That is exactly what the President had in mind when he laid out a fresh course for NASA to explore new scientific frontiers and take Americans ever deeper into our Solar System while relying on private-sector innovators -working in the competitive free market -to ferry astronauts and cargo to Low Earth Orbit and the International Space Station.

I could not be prouder of our scientists and engineers—both government and private sector employees—who have contributed to this historic mission. "

– John P Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology